How not to drive a Ford SVT Raptor

Originally published: February 4, 2013

The Urban Dictionary describes “hoon” as the act “to show off in a dagerous manner, mostly with a vehicle or engine-powered item.”

Its origins can be traced back to Australia, where government officials in Western Australia used the term “hoonigan” to describe reckless drivers in the country’s Road Traffic Amendment bill of 2004.

Such legislation exists in some way, shape, and form in the U.S. and Canada, although hooning remains a rampant pastime among automotive enthusiasts.

Case in point, the Ford F-150 SVT Raptor. Off the showroom floor, it is a very capable truck. Unfortunately, basic laws of physics dictate gravity rules all forces and can drastically detract from a vehicle’s capabilities in hairy situations.

This SVT Raptor driver quickly realized the limitations of his truck’s capabilities with more than enough speed, although he catches some admittedly impressive air.

Gravity soon kicks in and the euphoria of flying through the air is quickly wiped away as the SVT Raptor comes crashing down. Although the ambulance was called, both the driver and passenger seem to be without serious physical injuries, ego notwithstanding.

The same can’t be said for the truck as the impact was great enough to blow out the tires, deploy the airbags and set off the alarm, in addition to causing various dents to the exterior, not to mention untold damage underneath. According to YouTube user Matteson Films, who saw the hooning in-person, the SVT Raptor took the 90-foot jump at nearly 60 mph.

If you’re trying to shake off a strong case of the Super Bowl Mondays, check out the two videos of the stunt.